The Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw is hosting the Second Polish Exhibition of Graphic Symbols, a double exhibition showcasing Polish graphic design from the Post-war era and the 21st century. The show’s first part is in fact a reconstruction of a 1969 exhibition featuring 335 iconic designs and logos created between 1945—1969, while the second features another 335 designs, created between 2000—2015, and selected from among 3000 submissions.

Exhibition view.

Photo by Bartosz Stawiarski.

Exhibition view.

Photo by Bartosz Stawiarski.

Starkly displayed in black on white and hung with equal importance beside each other, the symbols remind one of hieroglyphics, drawing visitors in. Noticeably, the more recent pieces created in the freedom of post Soviet-era Poland demonstrate flowing lines and playful fonts —while the political turmoil seen in Poland through the late ‘60s is reflected in the heavy hand and chunky lettering of the symbols created then. Nevertheless, there’s a shared cultural identity that flows throughout this visual “history lesson,” indicating that these symbols reflect the society they were created and used in.

Graphic designer's tool box.

Photo by Bartosz Stawiarski.

The exhibition also includes other highlights such as the wonderful installation, “a Graphic Designer’s Tool Box” featuring the tangible materials used by designers in traditional graphic design. This important exhibition will travel to galleries, museums and cultural institutions throughout Poland in 2016, accompanied by various lectures, workshops and assemblies.